French GP to return in 2018

The French Grand Prix will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2018 after an absence of 10 years.

06/12/16

Paul Ricard, which is situated in the south of France near Marseilles, last hosted a grand prix in 1990 with the French GP switching to Magny-Cours before being axed eight years ago. The French Grand Prix was last held at Magny-Cours in France in 2008.

Paul Ricard hosted a wet-weather 2017 Pirelli tyre test in September and is considered one of the most high-tech venues in world motorsport.

Haas F1’s French driver Romain Grosjean tweeted: “Really super happy for French fans who will have their Grand Prix and who can come support us!”

Unsure future in Europe

Other European countries are struggling to meet the demands for ever-higher fees from F1 to hold a GP. The long-term future of the German GP remains uncertain after the race fell off the calendar for 2017 for the second time in three years. It is expected to return for 2018 though.